Course coordinator
Dr Luli Faber
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Biomedical Sciences School
This course extends students' basic understanding of cells & organisms to the level of systems physiology & pharmacology with an emphasis on the integrated regulation of the human body.
PHYL1007ﾠfollows on from BIOM1050 by providing students with a basic understanding of human physiology. The topics covered in this course include cell biology, endocrinology, neurophysiology, respiration, cardiovascular physiology, renal function, gastrointestinal physiology and metabolism. This course also focuses on understanding how these integrated systems response to different challenges including exercise, fasting, dehydration and airway disease. PHYL1007 is an important precursor for PHYL2730, BIOL2630, NEUR2530 and PHYL3732.
Course requirements
Assumed background
For this course, it is very important that you build on a sound knowledge of BIOM1050. If you did not pass BIOM1050 in 1st semester (and some of you will have to wait for the supp exam results to know for sure), you should seek academic advice regarding your study plan for this semester.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL1040 or BIOM1050
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PHYL2007
Restrictions
Restricted to students enrolled in the BClinExP (Hons), BENS, BExSS (Hons) and BHSPE (Hons) programs only.
Course contact
Course coordinator
School enquiries
Student and Academic Administration Team
The SBMS Student and Academic Administration Team is located on Level 1 of the Sir William Macgregor Building (64-130).
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Luli Faber
Dr Evelyne Deplazes
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to integrated human physiology relevant to exercise physiology, nutrition and health, sport and physical education.
ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain and demonstrate understanding of major human physiological systems through analysis and interpretation.
LO2.
Recognise the functions and needs of major tissues, organs and systems.
LO3.
Integrate molecular mechanisms with homeostatic mechanisms at the systems level.
LO4.
Apply physiological principles to practical aspects of Human Movement Studies.
LO5.
Evaluate abnormal physiological functions and infer underlying disruptions to healthy physiological functioning.
LO6.
Reflect effectively on your learning in biomedical science.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection |
Meta-learning Tasks
|
10% (3.33% each) |
4/08/2025 - 11/08/2025 8/09/2025 - 15/09/2025 20/10/2025 - 27/10/2025
Meta-learning assessments will open at 1pm on the opening date and close at 1pm on the due date. |
| Quiz |
Workshop Quizzes
|
50% (10% each - best 5 scores out of 7 quizzes available count towards 50%) |
11/08/2025 12:00 pm 25/08/2025 12:00 pm 8/09/2025 12:00 pm 22/09/2025 12:00 pm 13/10/2025 12:00 pm 20/10/2025 12:00 pm 28/10/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
End-of-Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Meta-learning Tasks
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10% (3.33% each)
- Due date
4/08/2025 - 11/08/2025
8/09/2025 - 15/09/2025
20/10/2025 - 27/10/2025
Meta-learning assessments will open at 1pm on the opening date and close at 1pm on the due date.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06
Task description
- Throughout the semester students will engage in meta-learning tasks to facilitate their learning. The tasks are designed to help students manage their own learning and identify for themselves areas that require more detailed study.
- Further details of the assessment format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete at least 2 out of 3 of the meta-learning tasks.Submission guidelines
- The meta-learning tasks will be available online through blackboard. You may take as long as you wish within the period that it is open.
- ‘Save’ your answers regularly in Blackboard to avoid losing any of your work on the quiz questions.
- We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment, by for example:
- you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed;
- your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into Blackboard.
- Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
A maximum 14-day extension ensures students stay on top of the curriculum as meta-learning is aligned with timepoints within the semester.
A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.
Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
No late submissions permitted.
Workshop Quizzes
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 50% (10% each - best 5 scores out of 7 quizzes available count towards 50%)
- Due date
11/08/2025 12:00 pm
25/08/2025 12:00 pm
8/09/2025 12:00 pm
22/09/2025 12:00 pm
13/10/2025 12:00 pm
20/10/2025 12:00 pm
28/10/2025 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
- At the end of each workshop, in class, students will complete a 15 minute invigilated closed book quiz. The quiz will cover concepts in the module that the workshop is on. If there has been a practical class since the previous workshop quiz, the quiz will also contain questions on the practical class.
- Each quiz will contribute 10% to the final grade. The best 5 out of 7 results from quizzes will be taken for the final grade, to a maximum of 50%.
- The quiz will be undertaken online via the Inspera eAssessment platform. Students will be required to bring a laptop to the workshops that meets the device requirements for Inspera. It is important that you check before the workshops that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. The Library website Get familiar with Inspera provides the latest information for students about using Inspera. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
- Questions will be a combination of multiple choice, multiple option, drag and drop, and text based questions.
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions are available for these quizzes unless under exceptional circumstances. Please contact the course coordinator to discuss your options.
Late submission
No late submissions permitted.
End-of-Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
- 90 minute End-of-semester exam to be held in the final examination period. The exam will include mix of matching questions and answers, multiple choice and multiple option, drag and drop and text-based entry questions. Topics covered in all lectures and all practicals are assessable in this exam. Details of the examination format will be provided during the semester.
- The exam will be a closed book invigilated exam held on campus, undertaken via the Inspera eAssessment platform. Students will be required to bring a laptop to the exam that meets the device requirements for Inspera. It is important that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. The Library website Get familiar with Inspera provides the latest information for students about using Inspera. Further information about the exam will be provided on Blackboard.
- Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 0% - 29%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 30% - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 45% - 49% OR A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% or greater, but less than a pass in any of the assessment hurdles outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% - 64%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 65% - 74%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 75% - 84%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 85% - 100%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
Additional course grading information
To pass this course you must meet ALL the following hurdle requirements:
- You must complete at least 2 out of 3 of the meta-learning tasks
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of the workshop quizzes assessment and the final examination, but the student does NOT successfully complete the hurdles list above they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
The supplementary assessment may be in the form of an exam (written or oral), a written submission or another assessment as determined by the Course Coordinator. It may be made up of multiple components and will allow students to meet any outstanding Learning Outcomes. The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only and a passing grade will be awarded only if a student passes the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Refer to the SBMS Assessment Guidelines for School specific assessment information.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Clean white laboratory coat, safety glasses and fully enclosed shoes. Students will not be permitted in the laboratory without these items. Each student must have their UQ Student Identification Card visibly displayed above the waist. While public health directions no longer require face masks to be worn, they are recommended when you cannot physically distance, you are a vulnerable person or caring for vulnerable people. Please note that cloth masks are not acceptable in laboratory classes in the School of Biomedical Sciences. PPE and identification card holders can be purchased from the School Locker. | own item needed |
| Mastering A&P | Students will be provided with access to Mastering A&P during semester. This includes access to the required textbook: Silverthorn (2019) Human physiology: an integrated approach. |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| University Learning Resources | Access to required and recommended resources, plus past central exam papers, is available at the UQ Library website (http://www.library.uq.edu.au/lr/PHYL1007). The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the myUQ website (https://my.uq.edu.au/). |
Additional learning resources information
Lecturers will post additional materials on the course Blackboard site as required. Any and all announcements concerning changes to the course, including assessment details, will be posted on the announcements page of the course Blackboard site.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 2 |
Lecture |
Module 1 - Cell Biology/Endocrinology [Thomas/Faber] Lecture 1: Course Introduction - outline of course format, expectations and requirements for assessment. Lecture 2: Physiology as an integrated science - control systems and homeostasis. Lecture 3: Cell Biology - from molecules to mechanisms; from DNA to RNA to proteins - hormones, receptors, enzymes - compartments and metabolism. Lecture 4: Cell Biology - the gene as a unit, its function and regulation; mutations and disease. Lecture 5: The Endocrine system - hormones; their production, release and actions. Lecture 6: The Endocrine system - hormone actions, the brain, the pituitary, feedback loops. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Module 2 - Neurophysiology [Faber] Lecture 1: The Central Nervous System - the nervous system, neurons and cell-cell communication. Lecture 2: The brain, sensory pathways. Lecture 3: Muscle physiology and innervation. Lecture 4: Neural control of movement. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Workshops Workshops will involve a summary of the module, relevant learning activities, and an in class quiz. Week 3: Cell biology & Endocrinology Workshop Week 5: Neurophysiology Workshop Week 7: Respiratory Workshop Week 9: Cardiovascular Workshop Week 11: Renal Workshop Week 12: Metabolism Introduction Workshop Week 13: Applied Metabolism Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Module 3 - Respiratory System [Faber] Lecture 1: Structure and function of the respiratory system. Lecture 2: Respiratory mechanics. Lecture 3: Gas exchange and transport. Lecture 4: Control of respiration and respiratory diseases. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 9 |
Practical |
Practical Classes Week 5: Sensory & Motor Practical Week 7: Respiration Practical Week 9: Cardiovascular Response to Exercise Practical Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Module 4 - Cardiovascular System [Thomas] Lecture 1: Introduction to the cardiovascular system. Lecture 2: Mechanical properties of the cardiac cycle, Frank-Starling law, factors affecting regulation of blood pressure and flow. Lecture 3: Electrical activity of the heart, electrocardiography, excitation-contraction coupling. Lecture 4: The cardiovascular system in exercise. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Module 5 - Renal System [Thomas] Lecture 1: Overview of renal function. Lecture 2: From filtration to excretion. Lecture 3: Fluid and electrolyte balance. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 11 |
Lecture |
Module 6 - Introduction to human metabolism 1 [Worrall] Lecture 1: Nutrition, digestion, and absorption. Lecture 2: Concepts underlying metabolism. Lecture 3: Metabolic pathways. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Module 7 - Applied human metabolism [Deplazes] Lecture 1: Integrating metabolism in the body. Lecture 2: Metabolism before and after breakfast. Lecture 3: Metabolism in exercising skeletal muscle. Lecture 4: Metabolic changes in obesity and diabetes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Final overview [Faber, Thomas] Exam preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: